iPhone 4.1 Update Coming

A full on update for the iOS4 to reach 4.1 has been rumored since the iPhone 4 was first released. Finally, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has issued a glimmer of hope, saying simply, “Software update coming soon. Sent from my iPhone.”

It is widely hoped that this update will not only improve the natural reception of the iPhone 4, but will also fix the sometimes faulty proximity sensor, designed to lock down the face of the iPhone 4 when making a call. The 4.0.1 update fixed a problem with the way signal bars were calculated and the 4.0.2 update fixed a security issue that allowed users to easily jailbreak the phone.

Source: PC World

Halo: Reach Leaked

Recently, determined members of Game-tut.com were able to access Halo: Reach via Microsoft’s servers, where they were designed to be accessed by reviewers only. The game has subsequently been leaked to other sites as well, and spoilers for the story have been posted on a few prominent message boards.

Microsoft issued this statement on the matter: “We are aware of claims being made regarding a security exploit related to Halo: Reach and are aggressively investigating the matter. We have no further details to share at this time.”

Source: IndustryGamers {link no longer active}

Must Have iPhone 4!

Part of the wonders of Youtube and other web technologies is anyone can make a movie to convey a simple idea. This movie does a great job of conveying the angst that more than a few smartphone retailers have probably felt this month.

If you’re in a work environment or have kids around, please be aware that the video does have a good deal of profanity in it.

Ubisoft CEO Talks Perfection In Beyond Good & Evil 2

Beyond Good & Evil  was a critically lauded but woefully underappreciated game that launched during a busy holiday season that also included Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. Despite persistent rumors that the game’s sequel has been canceled, Ubisoft is steadfast that its still in development… it’s just taking a long time.

“We were, as we are, working on the game,” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. “What is very important with this next product is that it will be perfect. [Developer Michel Ancel’s] intention is to come [out] with something really exciting. But everybody needs a little bit of patience.”

Guillemot appreciates that the game has a strong following among core players; it only built up a fan base well after its release. He’s hoping that will help the sequel do better this time around.

Why even take the chance at all “It’s in our DNA to do innovative stuff because that’s how the company has become what it is,” said Guillemot.

He pointed out games that the company has created that have enhanced the studio’s standing – games like Rayman, P.O.D. Racing, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon and, most recently, Assassin’s Creed. “You have to take risk,” Guillemot said.

Source: Kotaku

Social Movie Site Coming To PS3 In Fall

Sony announced today that the PS3 will be getting access to Mubi in Europe. The movie site has a subscription fee of 12.99 Euros / 9.99 British Pounds or individual films for 3.59 Euros / 2.99 British Pounds.

“Mubi is an online social cinematheque that will bring the best independent, classic, and international films to your living room. Watch favorites like Amélie, Pan s Labyrinth, and Mulholland Dr. to festival gems and award winners from every festival in the planet,” writes Mubi founder Efe Cakarel. “Mubi is also social; it’s not just a virtual cinema but also the cafe next door, where film discussion takes place. You can rate and become a fan of films, share your recommendations on PlayStation Network and Facebook, follow your friends, and get real-time updates on the films they love.”

Source: blog.eu.playstation.com

San Francisco Going After Zynga For Ad Campaign

The San Francisco City Attorney’s office is going after Zynga for an “illegal and actionable” marketing campaign tied to Mafia Wars: Las Vegas. Zynga had glued fake $25,000 bills to sidewalks in San Francisco that directed people to a Mafia Wars website.

“The City Attorney takes violations such as these very seriously, and intends to pursue every available cause of action aggressively against Zynga for these illegal marketing tactics,” writes Deputy City Attorney Alex Tse. “[Zynga must] provide the City full information regarding the nature and extent of the marketing campaign affecting the public way in the City, identify all parties other than Zynga responsible for this campaign, and provide the City with a proposal to fully resolve the issue.”

Source: SF Weekly

Will Wright Shooting Pilot For Current TV

According to a Current TV rep, Will Wright is making a television show for the network. Wright and his company Stupid Fun Club are recording the pilot for an original show across the East River in Brooklyn.

It is widely believed that Wright will be filming The Creation Project, his user feedback based concept. Stupid Fun Club has been tooling around with several ideas, so it could be one of many ideas.

Source: Joystiq

Google Proselytizing Chrome Games

Google has shown off the gaming abilities of the Chrome browser during GDC Europe. Mark DeLoura, game developer advocate at Google, and Michel Mahemoff, a senior member of the Chrome developer division, showed off Lemmings, Quake II, Plants vs Zombies and Lego Star Wars.

Google hopes that this new service might be a counter to Apple’s iTunes, giving them a five percent processing fee with every game or app sold. As for developers, it provides an easier way to sell games and a simpler way to make titles available to the public.

Source: Telegraph